GS 112-11

Guidance for Specification GS 112-11

DC POWER SUPPLIES
August 1993

Copyright The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

Copyright The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

All rights reserved. The information contained in this document is
subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract
under which the document was supplied to the recipient's
organisation. None of the information contained in this document
shall be disclosed outside the recipient's own organisation without
the prior written permission of Manager, Standards, BP
International Limited, unless the terms of such agreement or
contract expressly allow.

BP GROUP RECOMMENDED PRACTICES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING

Issue Date
Doc. No.

GS 112-11

August 1993

Latest Amendment Date

Document Title

DC POWER SUPPLIES
(Replaces BP Standard 228)

APPLICABILITY
Regional Applicability:

International

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

This Specification gives BP requirements for d.c. power supply systems comprising
battery charger, batteries and d.c. distribution board.
Its purpose is to enable a purchaser and a vendor to establish those characteristics of
equipment, which are required and which will be provided in order to meet a particular
application in an entirely satisfactory manner.

AMENDMENTS
Amd
Date
Page(s)
Description
___________________________________________________________________

CUSTODIAN (See Quarterly Status List for Contact)

Control & Electrical Systems

Issued by:-

Engineering Practices Group, BP International Limited, Research & Engineering Centre

Chertsey Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7LN, UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 1932 76 4067
Fax: +44 1932 76 4077
Telex: 296041

CONTENTS
Section

Page

FOREWORD .................................................................................................................. ii
1. SCOPE....................................................................................................................... 1
2. DUTY REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 1
2.1 Service Life...................................................................................................... 1
2.2 Ambient Conditions ......................................................................................... 1
2.3 Quality Assurance ............................................................................................ 1
3. ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................... 2
3.1 AC Power Supplies .......................................................................................... 2
3.2 DC Output Voltage.......................................................................................... 2
3.3 Rating and Duty............................................................................................... 2
3.4 Battery............................................................................................................. 3
3.5 Battery Charger ............................................................................................... 3
4. EQUIPMENT ARRANGEMENT AND OPERATION .......................................... 4
4.1 Configuration................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Parallel Operation ............................................................................................ 5
4.3 Isolation........................................................................................................... 5
4.4 Protection ........................................................................................................ 5
4.5 System Earth.................................................................................................... 6
4.6 Alarms ............................................................................................................. 6
4.7 Instrumentation................................................................................................ 6
4.8 Maintenance..................................................................................................... 7
5. CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Enclosures ....................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Forced Ventilation ........................................................................................... 8
5.3 Components..................................................................................................... 8
5.4 Earthing ........................................................................................................... 10
5.5 Nameplate, Labels and Marking ....................................................................... 11
6. TESTING .................................................................................................................. 11
6.2 Type Tests ....................................................................................................... 12
6.3 Routine Tests................................................................................................... 13
6.4 Test Certificates ............................................................................................... 13
7. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................... 13
APPENDIX A.................................................................................................................. 21
DEFINITIONS...................................................................................................... 21
APPENDIX B.................................................................................................................. 22
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ............................................................. 22

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FOREWORD
Introduction to BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering
The Introductory Volume contains a series of documents that provide an introduction to the
BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering (RPSEs). In
particular, the 'General Foreword' sets out the philosophy of the RPSEs. Other documents in
the Introductory Volume provide general guidance on using the RPSEs and background
information to Engineering Standards in BP. There are also recommendations for specific
definitions and requirements.
Value of this Guidance for Specification
BP is increasingly seeking to purchase equipment which is to a manufacturer's normal
standard whilst being entirely suitable for the application which BP has in mind. This
document seeks to allow a dialogue to be set up between the purchaser and the supplier so
that both are fully aware of the others requirements and capabilities and an entirely suitable
equipment will result by the use of this Specification. It therefore supplies guidance, based
upon past experience, as to those characteristics which require careful thought if an
optimum arrangement is to result.
Application
This Guidance for Specification is intended to guide the purchaser in the use or creation of a
fit-for-purpose specification for enquiry or purchasing activity.
Text in italics is Commentary. Commentary provides background information which supports
the requirements of the Specification, and may discuss alternative options. It also gives
guidance on the implementation of any 'Specification' or 'Approval' actions; specific actions
are indicated by an asterisk (*) preceding a paragraph number.
This document may refer to certain local, national or international regulations but the
responsibility to ensure compliance with legislation and any other statutory requirements lies
with the user. The user should adapt or supplement this document to ensure compliance for
the specific application.
Specification Ready for Application
A Specification (BP Spec 112-11) is available which may be suitable for enquiry or purchasing
without modification. It is derived from this BP Group Guidance for Specification by
retaining the technical body unaltered but omitting all commentary, omitting the data page
and inserting a modified Foreword.

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Principal Changes from Previous Edition

The previous edition of this document prescribed the means by which various application
facilities were to be achieved. This edition retains all of the application requirements
previously specified but largely leaves the means to implement these requirements to the
equipment supplier. It should therefore permit equipment to be offered from a suppliers
standard range and also permit technical developments to be incorporated into new designs
without affecting compliance with the Specification.
This document replaces BP Engineering Standard 228, entitled DC Power Supplies, which
was last issued in May 1983.
Feedback and Further Information
Users are invited to feed back any comments and to detail experiences in the application of
BP RPSE's, to assist in the process of their continuous improvement.
For feedback and further information, please contact Standards Group, BP International or
the Custodian. See Quarterly Status List for contacts.

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1.

SCOPE
This Specification gives BP requirements for d.c. power supply systems comprising
battery charger, batteries and d.c. distribution board.
This Specification does not apply to stabilised d.c. power supply systems which do not
incorporate rechargeable battery systems.

2.

DUTY REQUIREMENTS
2.1

Service Life
All components, excluding batteries, used in the d.c. power supplies
system shall be designed for a 20 year life under the specified operating
conditions.
A specified 20 year service life is standard industry practice and manufacturers
equipment will be designed to achieve this. However, thought should be given to
any operator specified deviation.

2.2

Ambient Conditions
The equipment, which will be located indoors, shall be suitable for
continuous rated duty under the ambient conditions specified.
The ambient conditions must be defined on the data sheets.
Any special conditions must be identified and manufacturers consulted to ascertain
if any special features need to be included to cater for such special conditions.
Batteries should normally be rated such that the specified duties can be met under
all defined conditions. However, if very low ambient conditions are specified then
in order to meet the necessary discharge duty very large batteries may be required.
Careful thought and specification are required in defining the load and ambient
conditions which will actually be encountered.

2.3

Quality Assurance
Verification of the vendor's quality system is normally part of the pre-qualification
procedure, and is therefore not specified in the core text of this specification. If
this is not the case, clauses should be inserted to require the vendor to operate and
be prepared to demonstrate the quality system to the purchaser. The quality system
should ensure that the technical and QA requirements specified in the enquiry and
purchase documents are applied to all materials, equipment and services provided
by sub-contractors and to any free issue materials.
Further suggestions may be found in the BP Group RPSEs Introductory Volume

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3.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1

AC Power Supplies
Unless otherwise specified on the Data Sheet incoming power supplies
will be fuse protected 3 phase, 4 wire with a solidly earthed neutral.
Consultations with manufacturers should be held at an early stage to ascertain the
standard power input parameters for the apparatus and these should be specified
whenever practicable so that a standard design results.
Full tolerance limits of the supply should be included on the data sheets including
any transient variations caused by frequent motor starting or similar system
switching duties.

3.2

DC Output Voltage

3.2.1

The d.c. output voltage of the system, measured at the d.c. distribution
board, shall be within the limits specified on the Data Sheets for all
conditions of d.c. load, battery charge and discharge.
Early consultations with the users of the d.c. supply should be held to ascertain the
voltage tolerance required. This is especially critical for 24 V systems where a
small undervoltage tolerance will lead to extremely large battery capacity.
Tolerance limits of +10% -20% will provide a reasonably economic system.

3.2.2

The d.c. output voltage ripple shall be less than 5% rms. total harmonic
distortion.

3.2.3

Radio interference of the d.c. power supplies system shall be within the
limits specified in BS 800 or similar local standard.

3.3

Rating and Duty

3.3.1

The rated load, with the exception of that for switchgear duty, shall be
taken as 110% of the continuous load plus a due allowance for
intermittent load.
It is useful to produce a load profile in block form to enable the manufacturer to
more accurately size the batteries for the system.

3.3.2

The rated load and duty for switchgear application shall be determined
from the switchgear manufacturers requirements.
The items required from the switchgear manufacturer are standing loads (due
account being taken of loads associated with protection relays), trip coil
consumption and closing coil/closing motor requirements.
A load profile should be compiled for the worst anticipated sequences of closing
and tripping assuming that the charger is not working. Such a profile should take

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into account the operating experience obtained at the site where the equipment is to
be installed.
A typical profile would be standing load supplied at all times for a 4 hour period
during which there is a simultaneous trip of all breakers, sequential closing of each
circuit breaker with inter-sequence pauses no greater than 2 seconds until all
circuit breakers are closed, simultaneous trip of 50% of breakers and then a
simultaneous trip of the remaining breakers.

3.4

Battery

3.4.1

Each battery shall have sufficient capacity to supply 100% of the design
load for the full specified standby time with no charger available, whilst
maintaining the d.c. voltage measured at the distribution switchboard,
within the tolerances specified.

3.4.2

Where duplicate 100% batteries are specified, they shall be identical in

all respects.

3.4.3

Where a reduced rate parallel connected high security battery is

specified, its capacity shall be rated for the high security duty only and
circuit arrangements shall prevent its discharge into the remaining load.

3.4.4

Batteries shall be capable of meeting their specified duty after normal

charge, within that period specified on the Data Sheet, following
standby discharge duty.
Consideration should be given to the length of time that can be allocated to
recharge a totally discharged battery up to its capacity to fulfil its specified duty. A
period of 12 hours can be used but longer times are preferable to avoid investing in
excess battery capacity.

3.5

Battery Charger

3.5.1

Each battery charger shall be continuously rated to supply 100% of the

rated load, in addition to battery charge requirements, under the most
severe variation of a.c.supply input.
Consideration should be given to the rating requirements of battery chargers for
switchgear duty. If a single charger and battery are used it would be preferable to
rate the charger for full design load duty to enable the battery to be taken off line
for maintenance/repair. If duplicate chargers are provided it would only be
necessary to rate the charger for standing load and battery charge duty.

3.5.2

Battery chargers shall be of the constant voltage type with a current

limiting feature to match battery characteristics.

3.5.3

Normal charging shall be arranged such as to maintain the full battery

capacity without undue loss of electrolyte. Such charging shall be

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within the period specified in the Data Sheet taking into account the
specified electrolyte topping up interval.
Consideration should be given to the time period over which the normal charge
rate provides sufficient battery capacity for the required duty. This should be
chosen to provide an acceptable balance between operational requirements and
excessive battery capacity. A period of 12 hours will normally produce an
oversized battery. A longer period is recommended.
When necessary the manufacturer may provide two levels of normal charging, to
achieve the required performance:Float:

To maintain battery charge within the specified water loss.

Recharge:

To provide sufficient battery charge in the required time for the

duty requirement, from an end-of-standby discharge.

Where recharging is employed, the period shall be automatically controlled and

shall be automatically initiated following battery discharge.

3.5.4

Where sealed batteries are specified the charger shall be provided with
automatic charge variation to compensate for changes in the batteries
ambient temperature.

3.5.5

Fast charging shall be provided for battery types that are suitable.
Fast charging is not required for sealed batteries.
Fast charging should be undertaken off line if possible. On line fast charging is not
recommended as it requires devices to be built in to maintain output voltage
tolerances during fast charge.
Where fast charging is specified it should be capable of providing full battery
capacity in 7 hours from an end-of-standby discharge state.
Where off-line fast charging is specified for systems employing two or more
battery/charger sets in parallel, the equipment under fast charge shall be
automatically reconnected to the d.c.distribution board at the completion of
charge, or if any failure to the on-line equipment occurs. When automatically
reconnected, the battery shall revert to the 'normal' charge.

4.

EQUIPMENT ARRANGEMENT AND OPERATION

4.1

Configuration
The system configuration shall comply with the Schematic Diagram
shown on the Data Sheets. Where cable interconnections are required
between component parts of the system these shall be specified and
supplied by the manufacturer, complete with all associated installation
materials.

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Where battery and charger are not a continuous suite the cable route lengths must
be shown on the schematic diagram. The equipment manufacturer is then required
to provide the inter-connecting cables so as to ensure that the overall system
complies fully with the specification, especially in connection with output voltage
tolerances.

4.2

Parallel Operation
Where more than one identical battery/charger system is specified, it
shall be arranged that each battery/charger system equally shares the
load on the distribution switchboard.
Each charger and its associated battery shall be capable of operating as a separate
unit in any charging mode.
When chargers are specified to be capable of supplying the design load with the
battery disconnected they shall maintain the output voltage within the tolerances
specified.

4.3

Isolation
Equipment and components shall be arranged in compartments, such
that discrete parts of the system can be isolated under full load
conditions and made safe for maintenance work to be undertaken with
the remainder of the apparatus in service.
The recommended minimum requirement is isolation of all poles, including any
neutrals, of:-

4.4

(a)

Incoming power supplies to each charger.

(b)

Each charger with its associated battery remaining in service.

(c)

Each battery with its associated charger remaining in service (where

specified as a separate operation).

(d)

The complete charger and associated battery from the d.c.distribution

switchboard.

(e)

Any control system supplies.

Protection
Protection systems shall be arranged to provide perfect discrimination
throughout the system including the source of supply.
Fuse protection throughout is the preferred method of protection.
Where charger short-circuit current is limited below the fuse or other protection
device operating point, by a charger current limit feature, the manufacturer shall
ensure that the equipment is undamaged by continuous operation in this mode and
that an alarm is given.

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4.5

System Earth
The d.c. supply system shall be earthed as specified on the Data Sheets.
Where an earth fault monitoring system is specified (unearthed d.c. systems) it shall
circulate 1 mA or less through an earth fault unless the detection circuit
disconnects the earth current flow directly after detection.
Consideration should be given to providing a test facility (where earth fault
monitoring is specified) in order to locate the fault to an individual circuit.
Provision of a fully rated duplicate busbar for this in order to avoid disruption to
operation is not recommended.

4.6

Alarms

4.6.1

Alarms shall be provided for failures that affect the integrity of the
battery/charger/distribution board system. Such alarms shall not be
initiated because of transient conditions.
The minimum recommended local alarms to be provided are:(a)

Mains supply failure.

(b)

Failure to charge battery.

(c)

Direct current distribution busbar voltage low/high.

(d)

Earth fault (where applicable).

(e)

Ventilation fan failure (where applicable).

4.6.2

Alarm initiating devices shall automatically reset but the indicating

device shall remain until manually reset

4.6.3

Facilities shall be provided to enable alarms to be indicated remotely,

either individually or, preferably, by means of a common alarm system.
Remote alarms shall be automatically reset when the local alarm
indication is manually reset.
The preferred method of providing remote alarm facilities is by means of volt free
changeover contacts rated appropriately to the receiving circuit operating
parameters.

4.7

Instrumentation
Means shall be provided to give indication of the main electrical input
and output parameters.
It is recommended that incoming supply volts and amps are metered and that
selector switches are fitted to permit readings in all phases. Battery
charge/discharge should be indicated by a centre zero ammeter. Output current
and busbar voltage meters should be fitted.

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Minimum requirements recommended for indication are:(a)

(b)
(c)

Mains supply healthy - green

Fast charge condition - blue
Normal charge condition - white

Lamp colours should be in accordance with IEC 73. Lamp test facilities to allow
testing of all lamps during normal operation are recommended.
Consideration should be given to including a control/indication mimic with LED
indication or liquid crystal display, in place of the standard type of indicating lamp
arrangement.

4.8

Maintenance

4.8.1

The system and its component parts, with the exception of batteries and
ventilation air filters, shall be designed such that they can operate,
without maintenance, for at least 104 weeks continuously.
Where manning levels are restricted, consideration should be given to including a
battery cell monitoring system.
Where air filters or batteries require maintenance the system shall be so designed
that they can be serviced in safety with no effect on the system other than
disconnection of the batteries.

4.8.2

The manufacturer shall provide adequate test facilities within the

equipment, backed up by comprehensive maintenance manuals, to
enable rapid fault finding and repair to be effected.
Test links should be provided as necessary to facilitate testing of plug-in units.

4.8.3

The manufacturer shall provide all items necessary to enable efficient

maintenance of the battery to be undertaken (i.e. hydrometer, filling
bottle, spanners, etc.).
Cells shall be dispatched in the condition specified on the data sheet. Care must be
taken to ensure correct storage of sealed cells together with the provision of
charging facilities to avoid cell damage.

5.

CONSTRUCTION
5.1

Enclosures

5.1.1

Sheet steel enclosures shall be provided for all component parts of the
system, other than batteries, and these should form a uniform matching
suite. The overall degree of protection of the suite shall be a minimum
of IP 22 to IEC 529. The degree of protection between cubicles
installed as a suite shall be to a minimum of IP 20 to IEC 529.

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A minimum thickness of 1.5 mm is preferred for sheet steel.

5.1.2

Batteries shall be supplied either stand mounted or cubicle mounted as

specified on the Data Sheet. In either case the mounting arrangement
shall allow easy and unrestricted access for routine maintenance.
The location and space available for batteries should be used to determine if sheet
steel enclosures or wooden battery stands are more appropriate. Stands are
preferred where space permits and frequent battery maintenance is required. The
manufacturer is to arrange battery layout in cubicle or on stands. The
arrangement shall allow easy maintenance without the need for equipment removal
or disconnection.
Consideration should be given to the arrangement of batteries, such that individual
cells can be manhandled by personnel in a proper lifting posture.

5.1.3

Gland plates shall be provided for cables of the types and sizes specified
on the Data Sheets, entering from the direction specified. Where cables
enter from below, the gland plate shall be at least 400 mm above floor
level.
Where a cubicle containing sealed batteries forms part of a suite advice should be
taken on the necessity of making through connections from the battery cubicle to
the charger cubicle and/or distribution board cubicle, gas tight.

5.2

Forced Ventilation
Power supplies for ventilation equipment shall be derived from the main
incoming power supply, not an auxiliary supply.

5.3

Components

5.3.1

The charger transformer shall be double wound, air cooled and

constructed with an earthed metal screen between primary and
secondary windings. Transformers and reactors shall be continuously
rated and conform generally to IEC 76 and 289 respectively. They
shall meet the additional requirements detailed in IEC 146-1-3.

5.3.2

All electronic components shall comply fully with the relevant

document in the BS 9000 series or other equivalent standard.

5.3.3

Fuses shall comply with IEC 269-1 and 2. Fuse holders shall be selfcoloured black. Link holders shall be self-coloured white. All
unearthed poles of supplies shall be fused. Earthed poles shall be
connected by a link holder.

5.3.4

Contactors shall comply with IEC 947-4.

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5.3.5

Indicating instruments shall be flush mounting and shall comply with

IEC 51.

5.3.6

Indicating lamps shall be flush mounting and shall have a life of not less
than 10,000 hours with the operating voltage at its maximum tolerance.

5.3.7

Isolating devices shall comply with the requirements of IEC 947-3.

Devices in the main power circuits shall have utilisation category AC23 for a.c. devices and DC-23 for d.c. devices.

5.3.8

Direct current distribution board busbars shall be of copper and shall be

insulated. The insulation shall extend to the load circuit connections.
The board shall include protective devices for all d.c. load circuits
provided.
The distribution board should be configured with sufficient spare ways unless it is
known the system will not be required for other feeds.
The board should preferably be in its own cubicle but where systems are small they
may be included in a cubicle with other components provided the distribution board
is in its own separate compartment having an IP 20 classification.

5.3.9

No component mounted on the exterior of the enclosure shall be less

than 750 mm, or more than 1800 mm from the base.

5.3.10

All wiring shall be multistrand and, if exceeding 100 mm in length,

shall carry indelible identification ferrules at each end.
The manufacturers standard wiring cable should be used. Some guidance would be
cables up to 2.5 mm2 to comply with type BK to BS 6231 with conductors to IEC
228 Table III Class 5. Cables above 2.5 mm2 to comply with type BK to BS 6231
with conductors to IEC 28 Table I Class 1 or Table II Class 2. Flexed cables, for
example those carried over door hinges, to comply with type BK 40 BS 6231 with
conductors to IEC 228 Table III Class 5.
Insulation should preferably be non toxic, low smoke when burnt.
Traditionally the following colours have been adopted to allow maintenance staff to
distinguish the different classes of cable. If no undue cost penalties are incurred
then some operational advantage is derived by continuing this practice.
Type of Wiring
a.c.
d.c.
Earth
Circuits energised
from
from outside the
suite

Insulation
Colour
Black
Grey
Green/Yellow
Orange

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

Identification
Ferrule Colour
Phases-Red, Yellow,
Blue Neutral - None
None
None
None

PAGE 9

Size of internal wiring should be based on the duty. Minimum preferred size is 1.0
mm2 but smaller sizes can be utilised for electronic/PC type applications.
Wiring across door hinges should be protected against mechanical damage
preferably by the use of flexible conduit.
It is advisable to keep wires operating at different voltages physically separated,
input cables to an enclosure should not be run in close proximity to internal or
output cables.
The method of connecting internal wiring to components should be in accordance
with the recommendations made by the component manufacturers.

5.3.11

Terminal blocks provided for external connections shall have separate

terminals for internal and external connections. Not more than two
conductors shall be connected to a terminal and terminal block links
shall be provided if more than two should require connection. All
terminals shall incorporate a pressure plate such that screws or nuts do
not bear directly onto wires.
Each and every terminal block shall be uniquely identified (such
identification preferably corresponding to the associated wiring
identification).
Terminals remaining live when a unit is isolated shall be fitted with a
label stating the voltage as follows:"Danger .... Volts", and shall be suitably shrouded.
It is preferred that terminals for external connections exceeding 6 mm2 are suitable
for straight shanked lug type cable connectors. Where terminals for external
connections require the use of other than straight shanked compression lugs they
should be supplied and fitted by the manufacturer. Terminals for lug type cable
terminations shall be provided with locking arrangements.

5.3.12

Battery terminals should be shrouded with insulating material.

The purpose of this is to ensure that cells cannot be shorted when being
maintained, installed etc. due to uninsulated tools.

5.4

Earthing
All metal work, cable gland plates and component or sub-assembly
chassis shall be bonded to the earth bar.
The earth bar shall be marked green/yellow and of minimum cross
section 70 mm2. It shall extend the length of the suite. Joints shall be
provided between each transport section. At each end of the earth bar,
a size M12 brass terminal shall be provided fitted with a lug or a 70
mm2 copper external protective conductor.

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5.5

Nameplate, Labels and Marking

5.5.1

In addition to that information required by IEC 146-1-1 the following

additional information shall be detailed on a nameplate:Order Number

Item Number

Cooling Method

Date of Order

Order Placed By

Site Equipment Number.

Nameplates shall be stainless steel.

5.5.2

Danger labels shall have black lettering on a yellow background and

shall comply with IEC 417.
It is preferred that information labels should have black letters on a white
background. The labels should be engraved, embossed or otherwise formed so as
to be permanent. The use of adhesive should be considered as non-permanent and
therefore avoided.
It is recommended that a label should be attached to each transport unit detailing
its dimensions (in mm) and its weight (in kg).
It is also recommended that as a minimum labels should be permanently fitted to
identify the following:(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

6.

The function of the total assembly of equipment.

Each control switch or push button.
Each indication lamp.
Each component part of the equipment.
Each fuse.
Each position of a selector switch.
Each instrument

TESTING
6.1

Type and routine testing of components and the complete apparatus,

shall be carried out in accordance with IEC 146-1-1.
Tests shall normally be carried out on the complete apparatus at the
manufacturer's works under electrical conditions equivalent to service
conditions. The latest approved issue of all drawings shall be available
at the manufacturers works for the tests.
It is recommended that tests should be witnessed by the purchaser/BP.
Five working days notice should be provided of intention to test.
Where it is impractical to perform tests under electrical conditions
equivalent to service conditions the apparatus should be tested under
conditions which allow the specified performance to be proved under
service conditions.

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It is not usual to perform the tests with the order battery and this is not
recommended.
It is recommended that tests should be carried out covering all modes of operation
and should demonstrate that the equipment performs in accordance with the
specification.
A schedule of tests should be submitted with the tender for approval by the
purchaser.

6.2

Type Tests
Type tests as detailed in IEC 146-1-1 clause 4.1.4 shall be applied to at
least one complete apparatus of each type or design. Additionally, the
following type tests shall be included:(a)

Output Voltage Tolerance (as IEC 146-1-1, clause 4.2.8, the

voltage regulation for maximum d.c. voltage no load to
minimum d.c. voltage minimum load shall be taken).

(b)

Load Tests
The load test shall allow for the gradual increase of load from
no load to full load, followed by in sequence:-

application of 150% design load for 2 minutes

application of 100% design load for 8 hours or until
such time as monitored temperatures stabilise,
whichever is the longer
application of 150% design load for 2 minutes.

Load tests shall be carried out with all enclosure covers

replaced and doors closed.
(c)

Checking the Co-ordination of Protective Devices (as IEC 1461-1, clause 4.2.10)
Short circuit faults shall be simulated at the following points of
the complete system:(i)

beyond the largest d.c. fuse on the d.c. distribution

apparatus,

(ii)

on the output of one rectifier/charger.

Special attention shall be paid to checking that protective

devices function when the apparatus is operating under current
limiting conditions, and that there will be co-ordination between

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protective devices within the apparatus and those of the primary

power supply.
*

Subject to BP approval, all type tests shall be carried out on the

same complete apparatus. Evidence of type tests on identical
apparatus may be accepted in lieu of tests on the subject
apparatus.
6.3

Routine Tests
The following routine tests shall be applied on each complete
apparatus:(a)

Tests in accordance with IEC 146-1-1, clause 4.1.4.

(b)

Soak test under full rated load for 100 hours.

This shall be carried out on each rectifier/charger apparatus and
associated blocking diodes and counter EMF diodes. The test
shall be carried out with all enclosure covers replaced and doors
closed.

6.4

Test Certificates
The manufacturer shall provide certificates for all tests undertaken
whether or not witnessed by a purchasers representative. The
certificates shall state values for all test results where appropriate.
Certificates for tests witnessed by the manufacturers representative
shall be available for signature by the representative on the day of the
test.

7.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
7.1

Any special tools required for maintenance shall be supplied, by the

manufacturer, in a suitable container for wall mounting and these shall
be clearly labelled to indicate the purposes for which each item is
required.

7.2

Drawing symbols shall comply with IEC 617. Each drawing supplied
by the manufacturer shall incorporate the following information:Manufacturer's name and address
Drawing title
Name of project
Manufacturer's order or contract number
Purchaser's order number
Manufacturer's drawing number and revision number
Date of original issue and dates of any revisions with details.

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

PAGE 13

7.3

The manufacturer shall supply manuals detailing operating and

maintenance instructions.
The manuals should be submitted prior to the equipment being offered for test.

7.4

The maintenance instructions shall include a detailed list of

recommended spare parts and torque loadings of all bolts used in
busbar joints.

7.5

All instructions for the safe installation of the equipment shall be

packed with the equipment. Labels stating the location of these
instructions shall be prominently displayed on the equipment.
A complete set of operating and maintenance manuals shall be packed
with the equipment in addition to those called for under the order.

7.6

The manufacturer shall forward to the purchaser, within the time

specified, a full list of recommended spares, based on the first 5 years
of service.

7.7

Unless specified otherwise by the purchaser all documents shall be in

the English language.

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

PAGE 14

INDENT/ PURCHASE ORDER

NUMBER
TO BE COMPLETED IN BLOCK CAPITALS

A.

PART 1 - TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER

CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Installation Site
Job name/Job No
Equipment name
Order No
Item No

B.

SUPPLY

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Operating voltage and frequency

Power supply
Voltage tolerance
Frequency tolerance
Supply Cables:

V
pH
+
+
Power

Hz
Wire
%
%

Control

Type
No of cores
Conductor Cu/A1
Core size mm2
11. Fault level of supply switchboard

C.

ENVIRONMENT

12. Peak ambient temperature in equipment

room
13. Minimum ambient temperature in
equipment room
14. Design relative humidity
.
15. Altitude
16. Special conditions

C
C
C
Under 1000 m

REMARKS

No Date

Remarks

By

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

App

PAGE 15

TO BE COMPLETED IN BLOCK CAPITALS

D.

PERFORMANCE

17. Nominal d.c. output voltage at

distribution switchboard
18. d.c. output voltage tolerance
19. d.c. output voltage ripple tolerance
20. Separate operation: charger rated for
load duty without battery
21. Battery standby time

E.

V
+

Required

%
%

Not required
mins

ARRANGEMENT

22. Battery system

Duplicate 100%
capacity
batteries

23. Fast charging required

24. Normal
Theoretical max period
charging
between electrolyte
top-ups
Time to reach sufficient
capacity from end-ofstand-by discharge
Two rate method
25. System earth
26. Earth fault monitoring system
27. Additional local alarms

No

Reduced rate
parallel
connected high
security battery
On-line

Single battery

Off-line

52 weeks

12 hours
Allowed
Not allowed
Unearthed
Positive pole
Mid-point
No
Yes
(a) Battery electrolyte
low
(b) Ventilation
equipment fail
(c) Normal/standby
supply fail
(d) d.c. output circuit fail

28. Remote alarm initiation

No

Yes

Group 1
Alarm
groupings
Group 2

29. Protection system

Fuses

REMARKS

No Date

Remarks

By

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

App

PAGE 16

TO BE COMPLETED IN BLOCK CAPITALS

F.

CONSTRUCTION

30. Battery type

31. Battery construction
32. Cable entry:

Vented
Lead acid
Nickel cadmium
Top
Top
Front only
Yes

Supply cables
d.c. cables

33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

Cubicle access
Batteries to be housed cubicles
Battery room layout drawing
Drip trays
Language for labels
Cell condition for despatch

G.

DESIGN LOADS

39. Standing loads

40. Intermittent loads/switchgear closing
loads

Sealed
Tubular
Pocket plate

Plante
Sintered
Bottom
Bottom
Front and rear

No

Required

Not required

Charged
Dry

Uncharged (Ni/Cd only)

Filled

Starting
A
Secs

Running
A
Secs

Cycles/
hour

41. Switchgear trip/high security loads

Ccts

for

secs

Ccts

for

secs

REMARKS

No Date

Remarks

By

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

App

PAGE 17

TO BE COMPLETED IN BLOCK CAPITALS

H.

CIRCUITS

42. d.c. circuits

Cct No

Cct Name

43. Spare d.c. circuits space required

Cct No
Cct Name

Max load
A

Cable type

Cable size
mm2

Not equipped
Max load
A

REMARKS

No Date

Remarks

By

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

App

PAGE 18

TO BE COMPLETED IN BLOCK CAPITALS

I.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
(For a non-continuous suite, cable route lengths between items of equipment
should be indicated).

REMARKS

No Date

Remarks

By

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

App

PAGE 19

TO BE COMPLETED IN BLOCK CAPITALS

PART 2 - TO BE COMPLETED BY MANUFACTURER

44. Manufacturer
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.

55.
56.
57.
58.
59.

Charger
Battery
Manufacturers tender ref.
Manufacturers works order no
No of cells per battery
Cell capacity
Total battery internal resistance
Battery capacity prior to duty specified
Battery terminal voltage following duty
specified
Charger rating/Duty Class (IEC 146-1-1
clause 3.10.3.5)
Current cut-off level
Manufacturers recommended supply
fuse rating (to IEC 269)
(Fuse to be supplied by purchaser)
Normal output voltage (Float/Recharge)
Fast charge voltage
Max heat dissipation of equipment
Estimated max temperature in:
Charger/d.c. distribution/battery
Maximum
Fundamental
a.c. supply
Harmonic
current
Value % of fundamental

C at

ohms at

hour rate
%
V

A. D.C/duty class
A D.C.
A
V D.C.
V D.C.
watts
C

C
A

REMARKS

No Date

Remarks

By

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

App

PAGE 20

APPENDIX A
DEFINITIONS
Definitions
Standardised definitions may be found in the BP Group RPSEs Introductory Volume.

GS 112-11
DC POWER SUPPLIES

PAGE 21

APPENDIX B
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
A reference invokes the latest published issue or amendment unless stated otherwise.
Referenced standards may be replaced by equivalent standards that are internationally or
otherwise recognised provided that it can be shown to the satisfaction of the purchaser's
professional engineer that they meet or exceed the requirements of the referenced standards.
Where a British Standard only is listed, no corresponding IEC Standard exists.
IEC 51

Direct acting indicating electrical measuring instruments and their

accessories.

IEC 73

Colours of indicator lights and push buttons.

IEC 76

Power transformers.

IEC 146

Semiconductor convertors.

IEC 228

Conductors of insulated cables.

IEC 269

Low-voltage fuses.

IEC 289

Reactors.

IEC 408

Low-voltage airbreak switches, airbreak disconnectors and fusecombination units.

IEC 417

Graphical symbols for use on equipment.

IEC 529

Classification of degrees of protection provided by enclosures.

IEC 617

Graphical symbols.

IEC 947

Low voltage switchgear and controlgear

British Standards
BS 800

Specification for radio interference limits and measurements for

equipment embodying small motors, contacts, control and other devices
causing similar interference.

BS 6231

PVC-insulated cables for switchgear and control-gear wiring.

GS 112-11
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PAGE 22

BS 9000

General requirements for electronic components of assessed quality.

Part 1 General description and basic rules.

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PAGE 23